The film is plagued by too many long, dead moments in which the story doesn't seem to be getting anywhere and attention wanders.
Overview
In 19th-century Louisiana's Cajun country, Belizaire (Armand Assante) is the informal spokesman for his citizens, who don't see eye to eye with local racists who wish to eradicate all Cajuns. Complicating matters is the fact that Belizaire's former flame (Gail Youngs) is now married to his biggest rival (Will Patton), an affluent landowner's son. Before he knows it, Belizaire is caught up in a web of murder, lies and prejudice.
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Another ethnic group -- Cajuns, this time -- suffers the patronizing ministrations of the American Independent Cinema.
It's billed as a romantic comedy, but Cajun humor, like crawfish gumbo, takes some getting used to.
This is an impressive debut film.
Belizaire has personality and quiet charm and a lot of affection, mixed in with the more predictable action elements.
More films
The Color Purple (1985)
Drama · History · PG-13
An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres,...
- Runtime
- 2h 34m
- Director
- Steven Spielberg
- Cast
- Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Avery
White Nights (1985)
Drama · Thriller · PG-13
After his plane crashes in Siberia, a Russian dancer, who defected to the West, is held prisoner in the Soviet Union. The KGB keeps him under watch and tries to convince him to become a dancer for the Kirov Academy of Ballet again. Determined to escape, he befriends a black American expatriate and his pregnant Russian wife, who agree t...
- Runtime
- 2h 16m
- Director
- Taylor Hackford
- Cast
- Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Jerzy Skolimowski
Lady Jane (1986)
Drama · History · Romance · PG-13
The death of King Henry VIII throws his kingdom into chaos because of succession disputes. His weak son, Edward, is on his deathbed. Anxious to keep England true to the Reformation, a scheming minister John Dudley marries off his son, Guildford to Lady Jane Grey, whom he places on the throne after Edward dies. At first hostile to each ...
- Runtime
- 2h 22m
- Director
- Trevor Nunn
- Cast
- Helena Bonham Carter, Cary Elwes, John Wood
Fatal Instinct (1993)
Comedy · Crime · PG-13
Ned Ravine is a police officer and lawyer who occasionally defends the delinquents he arrests. He crosses paths with seductive Lola Cain during an assignment and promptly begins an affair with her. Meanwhile, Ned's wife, Lana, is deep in an affair of her own. Lana and her lover are planning to murder Ned in an elaborate fashion so they...
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Director
- Carl Reiner
- Cast
- Armand Assante, Sherilyn Fenn, Kate Nelligan
Vincent & Theo (1990)
Drama · PG-13
The tragic story of Vincent van Gogh broadened by focusing as well on his brother Theodore, who helped support Vincent. Based on the letters written between the two.
- Runtime
- 2h 18m
- Director
- Robert Altman
- Cast
- Tim Roth, Paul Rhys
Comments
Talk about the film with other members